§ 10. Mr. GILBERTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will define the word "separation" as used in Article 55 of the Separation Allowance Regulations; whether, if a man was living away from home looking for work, with the full knowledge of and in perfect agreement with his wife, he is deemed to be separated from her; and whether she is, in consequence, ineligible for separation allowance?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)A husband and wife are not deemed to be separated in the circumstances mentioned in the second part of the question. The term "separation" in the paragraph referred to has its technical significance, and means matrimonial separation of a permanent character, though not necessarily by legal order.
§ 22. Colonel ASHLEYasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the fact that 15d. weekly is added to the pension of widows above the age of forty-five, he will consider the addition of a like sum to the separation allowances of soldiers' wives above forty-five?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe question of the allowance for the soldier's wife was carefully considered by the War Cabinet, and the result was announced last week. I am afraid I cannot add anything to that announcement.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this point was 574 considered? Is he aware that the difference in the two instances put by my hon. and gallant Friend is 2s. 6d. a week?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe question of the elder wife was considered.
§ Colonel ASHLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman say why one should have it and not the other?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am not aware that we make any distinction in this matter between the elder and the younger wife.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a widow of forty-five gets 15s. a week, whereas a wife of forty-five gets 12s. 6d.?
§ Mr. FORSTERYes; but my hon. Friend must not forget that the wife has a husband who is able to contribute to her support.